Southridge High debate team wins state title

A pair of Southridge High School debate students has warmed up for their journey to nationals later this spring by winning the state tournament.

Lukas Garcia and Charlie Landefeld took first place in the public forum category at the WIAA state tournament, according to a news release. They beat a duo from Providence High School 2-1 in the championship match. It’s Southridge’s first state debate title since 2002.

Lukas and Charlie qualified for the Tournament of Champions national debate event at the University of Kentucky earlier in their season. They are raising money to pay for their expenses to attend in late April and have collected $1,240 as of March 14.